2015 Cadillac XTS Overview

Learn more about the all new 2015 Cadillac XTS with comprehensive car pricing info, current rebates & incentives, safety data, MPG, car photos, specs & more. Select a research category to learn more about the new Cadillac XTS.

2015 Cadillac XTS

2015 Cadillac XTS Summary

(3 Stars)
Reviewed by Motor Trend3/23/2015

New for 2015

The 2015 Cadillac XTS now comes standard with a 4G LTE connection via OnStar (a subscription is available after a three-month trial). Platinum and Platinum Vsport models gain a revised armrest with radio and sunshade controls. Power adjustable 22-way front seats with heat, ventilation, and massage is now available on the Platinum trim while a new 19-inch wheel design is optional on Luxury and Premium grades. Power-folding outside mirrors are now available on all trims while lane keep assist can be added to front-drive models. Two new exterior colors have been added: Cocoa Bronze Metallic and Dark Adriatic Blue Metallic. Kona Brown with jet black accents and open pore sapele wood trim is a new interior color/trim combination for the 2015 model year.

Vehicle Summary

The 2015 Cadillac XTS is a large luxury sedan available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Unlike the similarly priced CTS sedan, the XTS is longer and tuned more toward comfort rather than sporty driving dynamics.

Overview

Two V-6 engines are offered in the 2015 Cadillac XTS: a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter with 305 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque in the base model and a turbocharged 3.6-liter rated at 410 hp and 369 lb-ft in the Vsport. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission while all-wheel-drive is standard on the Vsport and optional on the base XTS. Fuel economy is average, with front-drive variants achieving 18/28 mpg city/highway and 17/26 mpg with all-wheel drive while opting for the Vsport drops gas mileage down to 16/24 mpg.

The 2015 XTS offers good performance, with impressive acceleration particularly with the turbo-six in the Vsport. While base models with the naturally aspirated V-6 are slower than the Vsport, they provide adequate power for passing and merging; however, it lacks the Vsport's mid-range punch. Handling is surprisingly agile for a large, comfort oriented car and is able to hold its own on a twisty road. GM's Magnetic Ride Control helps improve the car's ride and handling, making more comfortable on long drives and over rough surfaces. However, Vsport models' stiffer suspension and larger wheels detract from the car's ride quality, making it transmit more noise into the cabin.

Interior quality is top-notch and with plenty of high-grade leather and plastics used throughout the interior alongside real wood and metal accents. Seats inside the car are comfortable and ideal for long journeys with plenty of support but isn't ideal for driving through winding roads since they don't offer enough bolstering to hold the occupant in place. Passenger space is generous for four adults while cargo capacity is generous with an 18 cubic foot trunk with 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks. Cadillac's CUE infotainment system and its touch-sensitive controls, however, leave much to be desired with controls that aren't as user-friendly as other units in competitors with traditional buttons and knobs.

The NHTSA gave the 2015 Cadillac XTS a five-star overall safety score (out of a possible five stars). In IIHS evaluations, the car earned a good score in four categories (good is the highest possible score).

What We Think

Among large luxury sedans, the 2015 Cadillac XTS stands out thanks to its spacious cabin, luxurious interior and good road manners. In a 2014 First Test review we said that despite its size, the XTS -- particularly the Vsport -- responds willingly, has good steering, and little body roll. However, the optional 20-inch wheels mean that its ride isn't as smooth and transmits a lot of tire noise. Its cabin, on the other hand, is well-appointed and executed with plenty of upscale touches and trimmed in high quality materials. We said in a 2013 First Test review that it has "one of the nicest interiors GM has ever made" with the seats and dash wrapped in leather with purple stitching. Space for passengers is plenty for five full-size adults and comfortable for long drives; however, it doesn't offer enough support for spirited drives through twisty canyon roads.